Marcus Smart's inevitable suspension, one the entire college basketball community was anxiously waiting to hear, isn't as harsh as most expected.

The Oklahoma State star has been suspended three games after shoving a fan, later identified as Jeff Orr, in the final minutes of his team's 65-61 loss at Texas Tech, Cowboys coach Travis Ford announced. Smart was handed a technical foul after the incident, but was not ejected from the game.

"Marcus Smart made a big mistake last night. He knows that," Ford said. "I know Marcus Smart. Pretty much been around him on a daily basis for two years. Undoubtedly, last night was not one of his finest moments. But he's had a lot of fine moments as a player and as a person."

“Mr. Smart’s actions were a clear violation of the Big 12 Conference’s Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Policy,” Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement. “Such behavior has no place in athletics, and will not be tolerated."

Smart apologized to fans, teammates, coaches and the university at a press conference.

"This is not how I conduct myself. This is not how the program is run. This is not how I was raised. I let my emotions get the best of me," Smart said. "It's something I'll have to learn from, a lesson I'll have to learn from. The consequences that are coming with it — I'm taking full responsibility. No fingers pointing — this is all upon me."

Smart will miss games against Texas, Oklahoma and Baylor. Ironically, he can return for the Cowboys' Feb. 22 home game against Texas Tech. Ford said Smart will be allowed to practice during the suspension.

Texas Tech released a statement saying they conducted a thorough investigation. Orr denied making a racial slur and Tech says the evidence backs up Orr's statement.

TTU also released a video in which the only heckling that can be heard from Orr — or anybody — is "you piece of crap."

The university announced that Orr has voluntarily agreed to not attend a TTU game (home or away) the rest of the season.

"I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere apologies to Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, Tubby Smith and the Texas Tech Men's Basketball program." Orr said in a statement. "My actions last night were inappropriate and do not reflect myself or Texas Tech — a university I love dearly. I regret calling Mr. Smart a "piece of crap" but I want to make it known that I did not use a racial slur of any kind. Additionally, I would like to offer my apologies to Texas Tech fans that have been embarrassed by the attention this incident has created."

Based on his reaction, Smart must take extreme offense to the phrase "piece of crap."